Faculty & Staff
Rollover faculty and staff members to view their name and click for more information, or filter using the options below.
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Joe is both our librarian, and a fifth grade advisory. He has a BA from Webster University in History and Political Science, an MAT from Webster University, and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Joe's passions are family and friends. His hobbies include, but aren't limited to, walking, biking, yoga, reading, movies, outdoors, keeping up on current events, learning new things, and eating good food. If he could vacation anywhere, Joe would head to the Netherlands and visit the places he frequented when he was in school there.
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Bill Rauch
Extended Day Counselor/Teacher's Assistant
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Extended Day13 Years at New City School
Bill has been an Extended Day Councilor since 2005 and a Recess/Lunch Aide since 2014. He comes to NCS with a background in theater: acting, directing and teaching. Locally, he performed for many years with Piwacket Theater For Children and has taught at COCA. Bill continues to teach Shake Hands With Shakespeare every summer at Meramec Community Colleges’, College For Kids.
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Kristi has been a preprimary teacher for 12 years, ten of those at New City. For the coming school year, Kristi will be serving as our technology specialist. She has a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. "I have found that my focus on MI, and more specifically, the awareness and appreciation of the differences in students in my classroom has helped me know and understand my students better. It has also helped my students know and understand themselves better." When she's not enjoying the "endless entertainment that comes with teaching young children," she enjoys photography, playing tennis with friends and family, and traveling.
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Mary has been teaching for over eleven years, and has been at New City for the last five. She earned her BS in Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and earned her M.Ed. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in reading certification. She enjoys trail running, biking, camping, sprint triathlons, and spending time with family and friends. She is especially fond of her dog Louie. Her favorite book is The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, and her favorite places to vacation are Colorado and New Mexico, or just to take day trips to different state parks.
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Megan is now in her 8th year at New City School as a preprimary teacher. She has also spent five summers as a camp counselor at New City’s Camp Chameleon and is the current Yearbook Advisor. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from St. Louis University. In her spare time, Megan loves to read, cook, take pictures, listen to music, watch movies and spend time with her family especially her husband and two year old daughter.
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Dana joins New City from Texas Wesleyan University, where she served as the Advancement Services Manager. Prior to her time at Texas Wesleyan, she worked at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Great Circle. Dana earned her BS in Business Management from Drury University. Dana and her husband, Mike, recently relocated back to St. Louis for Mike’s position with the St. Louis Cardinals. Dana and Mike have a daughter, Charlotte, who is three years old.
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Linda has taught for more than twenty years, and during her time at New City, has been a fifth or sixth grade teacher. She earned her BA in History from Spellman College and her MAT from Wayne State University. Linda most loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys knitting, baking, reading, and biking and is trying to learn to enjoy running. Her favorite book is always changing, but her favorite food is consistently popcorn. During the summer of 2013, an NCS Summer Sabbatical granted her the opportunity to travel and teach in China for three weeks – an amazing experience, both personally, as well as professionally. She'd love to go back to China, but for a vacation she’d be just as happy to walk along a beach or go for a hike in the woods.
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Joy has been teaching for over 35 years, and has taught in kindergarten for over ten of them at New City (where she has been since she relocated from Michigan). She has a BA in Social Sciences from Spring Arbor University and an MA in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. She says, "using MI as a tool with my children allows them to show their genuine understanding of skills, as well as allowing me to truly differentiate with each student." Joy loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, gardening, vacations and walks on Lake Michigan. She loves to vacation anywhere with a warm beach!
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Vincietia Taylor
Program Coordinator for Extended Day and Camps
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Extended Day4 Years at New City School
Vincietia received a BA in General Studies, and a MA in Family and Consumer Sciences from Fontbonne University. She started out at New City as an Extended Day Counselor in 1994, which has led to many years here at the school. She has worked as a substitute teacher, and taught art talents classes in Extended Day. She has worked in the Social Services field, and as a teacher at the pre-primary level. Her hobbies include knitting, writing, and making stuff. She really enjoys doing art with kids. And, hanging out with family and friends.
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"Teaching with MI allows me to see a child's strengths, and when I see that I can only hope to expand on those strengths," Tommi says. She has been teaching young children for 28 years, and is currently the Preprimary Music and Movement Specialist and KDG/1st grade B-K Specialist. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Louis Community College. She has also taken creative movement classes at Fontbonne University and Maryville University. She is certified through the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. She is trained in the Orff Schulwerk method of teaching Music and Movement to young children. Tommi served 4 years as a Physical Activity Consultant for Head Start Body Start, The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. She was selected as a training facilitator for the "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" (IMIL) framework which was listed on the Presidential task force as a program to get young children moving. Tommi spends her summers working as a Teaching Artist for the Center of Creative Arts (COCA). She is passionate about sharing her knowledge to parents and educators on the importance of movement in young children and will frequently present workshops to early childhood educators on this topic. She brings her passion, energy, and love for children everywhere she goes. When she is not busy with young children, you will find her hiking with her family or enjoying a vigorous session of water aerobics.
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Jean has 14 years of teaching experience, 10 of them at New City. Her journey for the past 27 years has consisted of being a classroom teacher (with the majority being 5th or 6th grade math and language arts), embracing full-time parenthood, including a five-year stint of living in Germany due to her husband’s job, followed by returning to New City as a sixth grade teacher. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in Educational Processes from Maryville University. She enjoys running, hiking in the mountains, canoeing/kayaking, baking cookies and reading. Her favorite vacation spot was exploring the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and her dream adventure would be visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.
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Paije Croghan
Kindergarten Teacher and Learning Specialist
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First Grade3 Years at New City School
This is Paije’s second year at New City School and her fifth year teaching. She received her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri and her MA in Literacy from Maryville University. Paije lives in Soulard with her husband, Billy, and their mischievous pug, Finley. In her spare time she enjoys exploring new restaurants, catching a local music show, and trying out new DIY projects.
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Melanie Harmon
Director of Admission and Scholarship Aid
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Administration7 Years at New City School
Melanie received her BA in Spanish from the University of Kansas. Prior to working in administration she taught Spanish. Melanie enjoys traveling, reading, sushi, and spending time with family. Her favorite vacation is a sandy beach with warm water and a great book. She hopes to visit a secluded exotic island someday in the near future.
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"The most important aspect of MI is that it facilitates diversity, diversity of thought and style." Monette has been teaching for for over 30 years. She has her AAS from St. Louis Community College, her BA from Fontbonne University, and her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Southern Illinois, Edwardsville. Monette enjoys walking, reading, collecting old coins and scouring art museums. She loves spending time with her family and friends and going to theater and dance performances. Monette would love to take a photographic safari in Africa, visit the museums of Paris or walk on the Great Wall of China.
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The Driffin became the school mascot ten years ago when he won in a school-wide election over the Griffin. You can see his retired predecessors around the building. He'll meet you at the front door each time you visit. Driffin believes in MI, but is disappointed that the flying intelligence is not recognized.
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Lisa moved here from the deserts of Arizona in 2011. She has been teaching for 6 years and this is her 2nd year at new city! She has a dual bachelors in elementary and special education from Arizona State University. In her spare time Lisa enjoys baking delicious goodies, reading, and going hiking with her husband and their dog Stevie.
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Shawn began working at New City as the Director of Finance and Operations in the 2006-2007 school year. He received his Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and his Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Central College in Pella, Iowa. He loves sports, hiking, kayaking, and any other activity in the water that involves his four children. Shawn's favorite food is pizza from either Pi or Fortel's. His favorite books include anything that his kids will listen to and he'll vacation any place that has mountains or water that he hasn't visited before.
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"MI is a tool that allows me to present a lesson in many different ways and then build extensions of that lesson that can branch off in many different MI directions," Lauren says. She has her BA in Physical Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and has been teaching PE/B.K. for 36 years, 28 years at New City. Lauren's hobbies include sports, sports and more sports, along with theater, and taking care of her family and her grandchildren Ryan, Lily and Ethan. She loves shrimp and a good steak.
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Miriam attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received degrees in both Spanish Literature and Elementary Education, as well as an MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Literacy, Language and Culture. She spent seven years teaching 1st through 5th grades in Denver, at a private school in Mexico and with the School District of Clayton. After spending time at home with her three children, Miriam began substitute teaching at New City and other area preschools. She most recently taught summer camp at Washington University Nursery School. Miriam has loved working with the younger learners and is excited to be part of the 4/5s team!
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Denise has been teaching for 30 years, 22 of them in the fourth and fifth grades at New City. She has a BS in Elementary Education from Shenandoah University, and an MA in Educational Processes from Maryville University. She believes "the most important aspect of MI for me as a teacher is that it provides every child with the opportunity to excel in one or more areas, while providing a way to approach areas that may be more difficult."
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Sheryl believes that MI allows teachers and students to both challenge themselves and showcase their strengths and talents, and the musical intelligence is one of her favorite ways to do that in the classroom. Nearly all of Sheryl's 20 year teaching career has been at New City School, in second grade. Her BA is from Saint Louis University, and her MEd, with special certification in Reading, is from Fontbonne University. In addition to being a lover of music and dance, Sheryl is a die-hard Blues hockey fan and enjoys cheering for the Duke Blue Devils, watching documentaries, weight training, and singing off-key.
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Joyce has been at New City for 18 years as our receptionist. She is the first face of New City School! In her spare time, Joyce loves reading, especially the Bible, walking in the park, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and beating her family at Scrabble. She's passionate about her family, working in and spending time at her church, and encouraging and being supportive to people. And last, but certainly not least, she enjoys watching over and protecting the children at New City.
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After receiving a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish from Webster University, Lisa stayed home to raise her two sons until they were both in elementary school. Lisa substitute taught at NCS 15 years ago and then went on to teach full time (preschool - second grade) at other schools. During that time, she earned an MS in Elementary Education from Sunbridge College in NY. After completing an apprenticeship program at EarthDance Farms in Ferguson MO, Lisa earned a certification in organic farming. She is passionate about healthy, organic food, spending ample time in nature, yoga, mindfulness/meditation, and believes it is important to laugh a lot and to not "sweat the small stuff"! Lisa is thrilled to be at NCS and feels honored to be able to help each child (using the theory of MI) reach her/his fullest potential.
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Gillian received her BA in History from Providence College in Rhode Island. Her professional experience includes most recently having served as Director of Development at the Rutgers University Foundation in New Brunswick, NJ. She has been a New City parent for eight years and can’t imagine a more nurturing and joyful community for her family to be a part of. She is passionate about animal welfare and volunteers at several local rescue and adoption centers. Her favorite movie is The Birdcage and her happy place is on the beaches of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. -
Chris has been a teacher for over 35 years, most of them at New City School where she has taught fifth and first grades. She has a BS in Secondary Education and French from Southeast Missouri State University and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, knitting, and traveling. She loves to eat seafood and her favorite books include Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and The Secret Life of Bees. She loves vacationing on the beach and goes every year. Chris was one of the editors of our faculty's previous two books, "Celebrating Multiple Intelligences" and "Succeeding with Multiple Intelligences," and helped edit our last book, "Celebrating Every Learner: Activities and Strategies to Create a Multiple Intelligences Classroom" (Jossey-Bass, 2010).
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Lucie has been teaching for 17 years, 14 of those at New City -- although she first came to New City as a 4/5s student. She received her BA from Bowdoin College in Art History and German, and her MA in Elementary Education from Lesley College. As she states, "MI means that every student can be a star. One child may be a math whiz, while another can pirouette, and another can identify all the plants in the garden. The students admire the strengths that each brings to the group." Lucie loves dance, crossword puzzles and good dark chocolate. Someday, she hopes to be the one who can pirouette.
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This is Elizabeth's second year at New City School. She has a B.S in Elementary/Primary Education from Miami University (Ohio) and a M.A.T from Webster University. She has taught in Ferguson Florissant School District and Webster Groves School District. Elizabeth believes MI is a way to help each child be passionate about learning and to value his/her individuality. Elizabeth loves to read, play golf, and spend time with her family.
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"By using MI in the classroom, all children feel valued as learners and as teachers." Heidi has been teaching for 24 years, 18 at New City. She has taught in many grades at New City and is presently a preprimary teacher. She holds a BA in German Language and Literature from Lakeland College. Heidi loves music, hiking, her family, and really good chocolate-chip cookies. She is the magic behind our Saturday Story Time sessions, enchanting everyone with her music, story-telling, and games.
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Mary Daly
Assistant Head for Student and Family Support
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Administration31 Years at New City School
Mary has been in education for 30 years, and has spent 29 of them at New City School where she taught kindergarten, and is now the Assistant Head for Student and Family Support. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Fontbonne University. "MI puts a value on all aspects of a child's development. They don't have to excel in only one or two traditional ways." Mary is a grandmother many times, and is an avid reader.
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Scott received his BA in History from Bucknell University. Scott is not only passionate about technology, but also music, movies, photography, video editing and cooking. He's never met a computer that he couldn't master. Scott's favorite book, no surprise, is 2001: A Space Odyssey and he loves the movie "Top Gun." When it's vacation time, Scott would like to travel to Japan someday.
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"MI addresses diversity within a group of learners; it is the answer for all those who wonder why they just didn't 'get it' when they were in school. WIth MI there's a way in for every kid; every student can be successful." Ben has been at New City for all of his teaching career, and has a BA in Elementary Education from Maryville University. He began as a fourth grade teacher and is now our Performing Arts teacher (focusing upon music, movement, drama). Ben loves spending time with his family, paddling and playing in rivers, playing and writing music, reading and writing poetry, and playing various sports.
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Johnnie loves working at New City because he is surrounded by such good, caring people. Johnnie works not only with the teachers but with the students. It is not unusual for him to be seen opening kindergartners' juice boxes, unlocking the trikes, or simply sitting next to a child having a conversation. Say "hello" to Johnnie anytime you need to cross the street - he's the one with the stop sign!
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Eric says, "MI makes learning more meaningful and fun." He is a more than twenty-year veteran teacher, and began as New City's science teacher in 1999. Eric has a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and a MAT in Science Education from Webster University. Eric enjoys nature, sports, golfing, and spending time with his family. His favorite food is fresh walleye and his favorite book is A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. He would love to take his summer vacation in Lake Tahoe.
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Tobie Taylor-Hudson
Director of Extended Day and Camps
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Extended Day23 Years at New City School
Tobie has been with New City for 19 years, the last 13 as Director of Extended Day and Camps. She received her BA in Education from Saint Louis University. Her hobbies include playing the piano, shoe shopping and collecting teapots. She's passionate about the mental and emotional health and wellness of today's children and can't resist a cute puppy! She feels lucky to work with young children, and truly enjoys the journey watching them develop into successful students.
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Chanaya has more than 20 years of teaching experience, with over ten years of experience in the sixth grade at New City. She has taught third grade for over five years. "For me as a teacher the single most important aspect of MI is giving children the chance to learn in different ways and find their own strengths and weaknesses." She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Chanaya enjoys being outdoors, biking, walking, playing sports, gardening, and hanging out with family.
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Lisa is a 19 year teaching veteran, with 10 of those years at New City School. She currently teaches second grade. She earned her BA from Stillman College, and feels that the single most important aspect of MI has been how it has continually stretched her learning and that of her students. She loves technology, music, playing piano, meeting new people, and traveling. Her favorite food is seafood or Mexican. Her favorite book is The Crayon that Talked. She dreams of vacationing to the Caribbean, Europe and New Zealand.
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Sandy has been teaching or working with children for over 35 years. This is her tenth year at New City School. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the National College of Education in Evanston, IL. When she's not teaching, she enjoys playing duplicate bridge, hiking, sharing meals with her three sons, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle. It’s no surprise that the Logical-Mathematical intelligence is her favorite, though Linguistic runs a close second. She loves to vacation in Manitou Springs, Colorado.
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Shannah believes that "MI invites pathways of learning and discovery for every child." Shannah is the arts specialist at New City. She holds a BS in Art Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Shannah loves art, nature, books, simple pleasures, and wabi-sabi, but not wasabi. To learn more, check out www.newcityarts.blogspot.com and www.instagram.com/newcityarts.
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Alexis is New City’s 5th Head of School. He joined New City from Bank Street College of Education in New York City, where he was the Dean of Children’s Programs. Originally from New York City, Alexis earned his MA in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami and a BS in Human Ecology from Rutgers University. “I am thrilled to be at the leading MI school in the country. MI is such a powerful tool for teaching and learning, and I know it helps to ensure success for all our students.”
Alexis enjoys spending time with his family, building with his extensive Lego collection, and rooting for the Yankees.
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Annie moved to St. Louis from Berkeley, California in August 2018 and is enjoying her first year at New City in the 3/4s. Annie has been teaching for the past 9 years across a variety of grade levels; she has taught Kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grades. She was most recently working as a fourth grade teacher at Head Royce School in Oakland, California. Annie earned her Master's in Education from UC Berkeley, and is actually back in graduate school for a Master's in Library and Information Science. It is her hope to one day become a school librarian! Annie has never before been in the midwest and moved here with her husband, Zach, as he received a Postdoc at Washington University. They are excited for this new adventure and Annie looks forward to learning from all the fantastic faculty, staff, students, and families at New City!
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Laurie has a B.S. from Washington University in English and her M.A. in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction from Webster University. Laurie began her career teaching preschool and fourth grade in St. Louis. She then moved to Atlanta to teach kindergarten, first, and fourth grade at The Lovett School in Atlanta. After working as a teacher for many years at Lovett, Laurie went on to serve first as Assistant Principal and then as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. At New City School, she is the Upper Division Head for grades 2-6. Laurie is excited to work with so many passionate, dedicated teachers and parents that are devoted to helping children grow and thrive each and every day.
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Joyce has been teaching for 24 years, 23 at New City, and has her BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. The most important aspect of MI to Joyce is "that it allows for teachers to differentiate in order to meet individual student needs." In her spare time, Joyce loves gardening and baking.
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Nina has been teaching Spanish for ten years, seven at New City, and has her BA in Spanish and Marketing from Washington University in St. Louis. "The most important aspect of MI for me is being able to reach students where their strengths are, while challenging them to explore and develop in other areas."
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Rosemary Davis
Marketing & Communications Associate
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AdministrationFirst Year at New City School
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Carla has taught for twenty-six years, and earned her BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Reading, both from Webster University. Before working as the Learning Specialist, she was part of the first and second grade teams at New City and taught third grade in a parochial school. She currently teaches students from preprimary through sixth grade. Carla says, "MI gives students opportunities to use intelligences and discover things about themselves that they would otherwise not discover in a more traditional classroom. The most rewarding moments in teaching happen when students feel supported and confident enough to take risks, persevere and are encouraged to make connections that lead to genuine understanding and personal growth. At New City School, this happens daily; joyful learning!" Carla enjoys running, biking, yoga, art, music, food and conversation. Two of her favorite children's books are Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, and Hey World, Here I Am! by Jean Little.
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Audrey is excited to be returning to New City School. The last time she was here was when she was a student in the 4/5s! Audrey has a long-standing interest and commitment to childhood education. She has a BA in Comparative Human Development and a Masters in Education from the University of Chicago. Previously, Audrey taught first grade in both Cleveland and Chicago. Audrey loves to play music with her family, go on long walks with her husband and dog, and snuggle with her cat. In her free time, Audrey has been enjoying becoming reacquainted with St. Louis.
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Susan has been teaching for almost 30 years, and has spent most of that time as a kindergarten teacher at New City School. She has a BA in History from Indiana University, and an MA in Education from Maryville University. "MI has helped me look at my children in different ways, and to be able to meet their needs as learners. It has definitely helped me grow as a teacher!" Susan enjoys reading and gardening, and she loves spending time with her family.
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Stephanie Teachout Allen
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
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Fifth Grade
Administration5 Years at New City School
Stephanie joined New City School in 2013 as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and a Fifth Grade Teacher. Prior to living in St. Louis, Stephanie was the Director of Student Diversity Programs and a middle school teacher at Rye Country Day School in New York, and she also spent three years teaching at a university in Northern Thailand. She has a BA from Indiana University and a Masters from Teachers College, Columbia University. One of Stephanie’s passions is making sure that every member of our community can bring their whole self through our red doors every day. Stephanie serves on the ISACS Equity and Justice Committee and NCCJ – St. Louis’ Board of Directors, and she is a facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League. Whenever possible, Stephanie loves traveling (she has spent time in more than 45 countries), learning about different cultures, listening to Broadway musicals, riding her bike, practicing yoga, and playing tennis.
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Missey has been teaching for over twenty years, with more than ten years at New City in the third grade. For the coming school year, Missey will be serving as our school counselor as well as a learning specialist. She earned her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Educational Counseling from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She believes the most important aspect of MI is that "it proves everyone has talents, abilities, and weaknesses; they are just in different areas. It is what makes the world go round!" Missey loves dancing and going to Cardinal games and she's passionate about watching her son play sports. Her favorite children's book is, Because of Winn Dixie, and her favorite adult book is Iron Gate.
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Jessica has her BA in History from the University of Colorado, and an MA in Elementary Education from Webster University. She began at New City as a fifth grade teacher, and has been serving as our MI Library Coordinator since we opened our MI library in 2006. Her passion is her family! She loves to travel, ski, ride bikes, take pictures, and spend time outdoors.
New City School has 41 full-time and five part-time faculty members, including classroom teachers and specialists in science, library, Spanish, art, movement and music, performing arts, physical education and computer, in addition to a learning specialist and school counselor.
Performance-Based Pay Plan
New City School is one of very few schools in the country to use a performance-based pay plan for teachers.
Teachers are evaluated in five key areas:
- Knowledge of subject matter.
- Knowledge of child development and the learning process.
- Rapport and enthusiasm with students.
- Presentation skills.
- Professionalism and collegiality.
